Author Interview with Jillian David of “Hell’s Valley” Series
Hello readers! I got the chance to interview author, Jillian David about her Hell’s Valley series, writing process, favorite authors, among other things! I hope you all enjoy the interview!
About The Series
Synopsis: Garrison Taggart doesn’t have time to deal with touchy-feely junk like “trust issues” or “feelings.” His dad’s health is waning and the family’s Wyoming ranch is being sabotaged. Too bad his supernatural ability to tell when someone is lying has been exactly zero help in ferreting out the betrayer so far. So, when sweet schoolteacher Sara Lopez raises concerns about his son being bullied, who can blame a guy for getting a little testy?
The last thing Sara needs is any more attention or gossip after her recent breakup with big-shot rancher Hank Brand. So her attraction to surly but sexy Garrison, Hank’s rival, is entirely unwanted. When she uncovers an insane plot to kidnap the Taggart boy and throws herself in harm’s way to protect him, Garrison must risk his deepest secret and his own life to save the people he cares for the most. But will his heroics cost him everything
Q&A Time!
In a few sentences, tell us a little about yourself.
To give you an idea of the craziness of my little world, I’m sleep-deprived from a busy weekend of call, ending with a delivery last night at midnight. Whereupon, when I got called to run to the hospital, I jumped out of my bed, sped drove exactly the speed limit to the delivery, helped a new baby ease into the world got spooged with amniotic fluid, and then after the delivery was over, I realized…my shirt was on inside out. And backwards. With the tag sticking out. Yes, people, it takes real skill to be this cool.
In between the “day job” (more of a day + night job but you get the idea), I have been revising 2 books in my paranormal western series. Nothing like the abrupt gear-shift where I go from dreaming up new ways to metaphorically describe my hero’s peen to ordering an anti-psychotic medication for a withdrawing meth addict. When I can get time completely away from medicine, I enjoy getting completely immersed in a writing project and diving into that new world.
What do you love most about the craft of writing?
I like to disconnect from real life and enjoy living in other characters’ lives. And even more — I love being able to create an experience so that readers get to experience a fun, pulse-pounding story!
Tell us about your last/latest project.
Hell’s Valley is a four-book paranormal western series. That’s right – sexy, psychic cowboys. Giddiyup, folks.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When my first book, Immortal Flame, was published. Not a second before then.
What drew you to writing romance/erotica?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed sci-fi/fantasy like Anne McKinley and Anne McCaffrey. When I really started to dig the romance sub-themes in these books, that’s when I gravitated toward romance stories.
Which book(s) have influenced your writing style the most?
Recently: J.R. Ward, Rebecca Zanetti, Rachel Grant. There’s something different with each of these writers that I’d like to emulate: character development, tone, world-building, complex plotlines.
Share a piece of your work that showcases our writing style best.
As she leaned against the stall door, Shelby scratched her horse’s jowls and he stomped a hoofed foot in happiness.
“You know, a guy could get jealous of a horse, the way you’re mooning over him,” Eric’s sardonic voice started up again. Even without looking, she’d bet fifty bucks on him sporting a sarcastic twist of his mouth. “Before you two make plans for your happily ever after, you should be aware that he’s gelded.”
Shelby sniffed. “And it improved his disposition immediately. Should be mandatory for all guys.”
Name three of your best writing tips.
1) Don’t give up
2) If what you wrote didn’t fly, write something else.
3) Repeat steps #1 and #2.
Dead or alive, name the writer you wish were your mentor and why.
Tess Gerritsen. Doctor and writer. I’d love to see how she found that balance in the beginning of her writing career. And of course it would be fabulous to write even half as well as she does.
What would you say is your own interesting writing quirk?
I have to check my electronic medical record at work and take care of any patient care issues – even on my day off – before I change gears, relax, unplug, and start writing.
Shout out an indie writer whose work you love.
Holley Trent – her paranormal romances are a perfect blend of snarky and sexy.
Do you have any specific writing goals in your radar?
One is super secret, but I’ll tell you if I meet that goal.
The second goal is to wrap up Hell’s Valley this fall.
Third goal is to bring a romantic suspense series I’m working on to print.
About The Author
Jillian David lives near the end of the Earth with her nut of a husband and two bossy cats. To escape the sometimes-stressful world of the rural physician, she writes while on call and in her free time. She enjoys taking realistic settings and adding a twist of “what if.” Running or hiking on local trails often promotes plot development.
Readers, feel free to stalk this sexy author at the following links:
Website & Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Goodreads
Thanks again to Jillian for an awesome Q&A session! Stay tuned for an upcoming review of the first two Hell’s Valley’s books and more!
